Single Malts for Under $100

A few decades ago, the rising popularity (and limited availability) of single-malt scotch meant that buying a few test bottles was a pricey experiment few of us could afford. It was nearly impossible to take home a good one for less than $200, placing bottles of scotch in the upper echelons of salary-bonus options and truly rare holiday treats. Fortunate for us brown-spirit lovers, a splintered artisanal whiskey world – which includes everything from bourbon and rye to Irish and Japanese whisky – has brought prices back down where they belong, so you can afford to be choosy and have a few on rotation. Behold: Our favorite single malts for less than $100.

Glenfiddich 18-year Ancient Reserve

Region: Speyside

Glenfiddich is known for its younger whiskies, but this 18-year single malt is worth grabbing. A gateway scotch for bourbon drinkers, it balances sweetness and smoke and is all too drinkable. [$90; glenfiddich.com]